Locking means for shipping boxes



Jan. 4, 1944. J. E. BORAH LOCKING MEANS FOR SHIPPING BOXES Filed Oct. 2, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENT OR. J0/1/v if 5024/7.

W a /W ATTORNEYS,

7 Jam- 1 944. BQRAH LOCKING MEANS FOR SHIPPING-BOXES Filed Oct. 2 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. JOHN 5'. 502 411 BY W WM ATTORNEYS Patented Jan. 4, 1944 LOCKING MEANS FOR SHIPPING BOXES John E. Borah, Penn Township, 'St. Joseph County, Ind.

Application October 2,1940, Serial N 0. 359,340

2 Claims.

of the top flaps are stitched. Other sealing methods are equally inefiicient. Thus a wire-bound box is subject to loosening of the wire or strap in handling, so that the wires, if tightly applied, may damage both container and contents. An adhesive tape type of'seal is obviously subject to easy pilferage.

One of the primary objects of my invention is to provide a box construction which has maximum strength but requires .only a minimum amount of material and labor to manufacture and seal.

A further object is to provide a box with selfacting sealingmeans which cannot be opened and rescaled without detection.

A further object is to provide novel self-acting sealing means for a shipping box.

A further object is to provide box sealing means which may be selectively temporarily sealed, or may be permanently sealed in a manner to expose release thereof.

A further object is to provide a box with sealing means which assist in strengthening and reinforcing the box.

Other objects will be apparent from the description and appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a boxillustrating one embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary front elevation of the box and locking means therefor.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary front elevation of another embodiment of box locking means, with parts broken away.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 6--6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to Fig. 6 illustrating a modified type of locking arrangement. I

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of latching element. Y

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a locking tongue usable with the latching element of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a modified form of latching tongue.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view illustrating the latching tongue of Fig. 10 applied to a box.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of another modified form of latching tongue.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the latching construction of Fig. 7 applied to the front of a box whose top tongue is positioned outwardly of the box front.

Fig. ii is a perspective View of a modified construction of a box and box sealing means.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating the manner in which the locking parts 00. operate in the box illustrated in Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to Fig. 15, and illustrating the cooperation of the sealing parts where a box is not provided with a cover flap.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of one form of locking bar.

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary perspective view of a second form of locking bar.

Referring to the drawings, which illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention, and particularly to Fig. 1, the'numeral 25 designates an elongated blank formed of desired fiber board or the like having a plurality of spaced transverse fold lines defining a front panel 21, bottom panel 28, back panel'29 and top panel 30. Blank 25 has a narrow tongue 3| formed at one end projecting from top panel 30 and of a length less than the width of the blank A pair of complementary end blanks 32 are shaped andfolded to form'an end panel 33 centrally thereof, complementary reinforcing panels 34 at each end of the blank and aligned with panel 33, narrow top and bottom flanges 3 5, 36 aligned with panel 33, three corner tabs 31; and a fourth corner tab 38. ,The three corner tabs 31' are defined by slots 39 extending parallel to eachother, and the other tab 38 by a slot 40 perpendicular to slots 39.

In constructing the box as illustrated in Fig. 1, one of the reinforcing panels of each of two complementary blanks 32 is superimposed on the inner face of front panel 21'of blank 25 and the parts are stapled together adjacent the vertical edges of panel 21; thence blanks 26 and 32 are folded with tab 31'of blank 32 underlying flange 36 and the latter bearing on the margin of the inner face of bottom panel 28 of blank and these parts are then stitched together; and thence the blanks are again folded to position tab 33 behind reinforcing panel 34 which is registered with back panel 29 and these parts are in turn stitched together. When this operation is completed at both box ends, the box of Fig. l is completed. The reinforcing panels 34 form liners at the long front and back panels of the box to materially strengthen the same, the vertical edges of the front and back panels are reinforced by stitching of panels 34 thereto, the end margins of bottom panel 28 are similarly reinforced by stitching of flange 36 thereto, and the two lower corner tabs 3?! and "38 serve to connect the reinforcing panels 34 with flange 36 to rigidify the same and further reinforce the lower box corners to constitute the folded and stitched end blanks efiective'reinforcing and frame works. for the box. The .perpendicular arrangement of the .slotsi33 and 4e defining the lower corner tabs 31 and '38, respectively, permits folding thereof in the direction in which the immediately preceding stitching has been done without requiring manipula tion of the work or difficult folding operation. In other words, after the left panel 34 has been stitched to panel 21 from top to bottom the flange 35 may be folded inwardly, panel '33 then folded perpendicular to 3'4, andleft lower corner tab 31 folded under the end of flange 36, whereupon stitching of flange 36 and panel 28may be accomplished; and then the other flange '34 may be folded and corner tab 38 folded thereagainst to permit completion of stitching .of the same to panel '29. This is an important feature of my box construction from the standpoint to facilitate its manufacture for the lapped corner arrangement. It will be understood, ofcourse. that this arrangement may be utilized whether .the stitching is done from front to back, ,or the reverse; and that the corner tabs may be positioned exposed at the box interior. Also, the corner tabs may be positioned between the framework flanges and the box part, or on the inner-side of the box when interior smoothness is not required.

Another important feature of this construction is that when top panel 30 is folded flat on the box, it is held against inward dislocation by upper tabs '3'! and flanges 35, and also by front liner panels 34 by virtue of the insertion of tongue 31 between said liner panels 34 and front panel 2.1. When the .box is being filled, the upper corner tabs 31 and flanges 35 maybe positioned to support each other substantially vertically, and also to hold top panel 30 of the box open, so that the box opening is of a size substantially conforming to the horizontal cross sectional area of the box interior, and a unitary object of .a size to fit snugly in the box may easily be inserted therein without interference from said top 30, flanges .35 and oornertabs 31.

The box illustrated in Fig. 4 is constructed from blanks similar to those above described. The end blanks 32' for this construction are the same and bear the same reference numerals as in the previously described construction, with the exception that the parts stitched to front and back panels 27 and 29 constitute .flanges'34', instead of the liner panels previously described. The manner in which these panels form a reinforcing box and framework is illustrated in Fig. 4 which also illustrates the positioning and length of the stitching staples 4| with reference to the width of flanges 34' and 36. This feature is important since it leaves the inner edges of front flanges 34' free to serve as retainers between which andfront panel 21 the ends of tongue 3! of top panel 33 may be inserted and positioned when the box is closed. All of the advantages of the box of Fig. 1, with the exception that the liners for front and back vertical box walls are eliminated, are incorporated in the box of Fig.4, which is intended for lighter duty, or for smaller size embodiments, than the preceding construction.

It will be noted that each of these embodimerits of box structure utilize the basic features of smooth exterior surface, full sized top opening, and rigid end frame work provided by the lapped relation of interconnected corner tabs and projecting flanges or liner panels of the end blanks secured to the main blank to give reinforced corners and reinforcement at all box edges.

Various embodiments of self-acting latching means for the box have been illustrated. Each has been designed to prevent pilfering by exposing any tampering or release. One embodiment of such latching means is shown as applied at the end of the Fig. 1 box construction and as applied at the box front in Figs. 2 and 3. Thisembo'dimerit utilizes a latching element comprising a metal plate 5! "having rearwardly off-set vertical marginal portions 5| fixedly secured to a vertical wall of the box by staples 52. The central portion of plate 50 has a plurality ofvertically spaced horizontally extending slots formed therein forming a plurality of horizontal bars, of which bars '53 are inwardly ofi-set from alternate bars e4. Each of said bars, except the top one, has an upper angularly bent flange S'E bent in opposite direction to the adjacent bar, 1. e., flanges 55 of bars 53 are bent inwardly, and those of bars 54 are bent outwardly. :Eachof said bars, ,except'the bottom one, has a second angularly bent flange 55. An elongated strap or tongue "51 is securedto the box top '30. This strap is preferably provided with a'rolled end 58 of greater width than itself. The strap may be secured at the, under side of the top "by staples 59 adjacent rolled end 58, and extending through a slot 60 in tongue 3| as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3; or may be secured at the upper face of the box top by staples 59 and extending through a .slot 6| .in spaced relation to the :edge of the box top for engagement of rolled end 53 at the under face of top 3%) as illustrated in Fig. 11. In botharrangements the enlarged rolled end insures solid anchoring oi the strap to the topagainst longitudinal stress or pull. The main body portion of the strap which is vertically bent along the vertical box wall has ,a plurality of locking tabs 62 cut out therefrom with the alternate tabs oppositely bent .and their free ends uppermost. The locking tabs 62 are notched at 62 to weaken the same, whereby they break when tampered with and hence expose pilferage. The straps 57 are adapted to be inserted between bars 53 and 54 of plate 5%, guided by the upper flanges 55 of each. As the locking tabs 62 slide between said bars they are inwardly spring pressed, and upon passing the lower edges of the bars they spring outwardly to engage lower flanges 56 of said bars in a manne'r'to prevent upward return withdrawal movement of said str ps. The tongues 62 are so arranged and proportioned to bars 53 and 54 that several tabs engage bars of both sets. It will be seen that this construction permits breaking of the seal by severing the straps 51, which is immediately detected if unauthorized. The several locking interengagements between tabs 60 and the rearwardly off-set bars 53 are not accessible for tampering, and hence no unauthorized breaking of the seal without exposure is possible.

The same type of latching tongue or strap 51 having alternate oppositely bent tabs 62 may also be utilized in the embodiment illustrated in Figs. '7 and 13, wherein a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal staples are secured to the vertical box wall with alternate staples 65 positioned close to said box wall, as 21, and the intermediate staples 66 spaced from said wall, whereby the outwardly bent tabs 62 may engage under staples 66 and the inwardly bent tabs may engage under staples 65, while the body of said strap 51 weaves between :said staples. This construction relies for effectiveness upon normal taut condition of the strap, without play which would permit manipulation of the strap sufficient to disengage all of the tabs. In the Fig. 13 construction, strap 51 passes through slot 60 in tongue 3I, and said tongue is positioned at the outer face of front panel 21, staples 61 are preferably employed to secure the vertical run of said strap to tongue 3|.

A slightly modified construction of locking tongue or strap adapted for the same applications as strap 51 is that numbered I and illustrated in Fig. 12. This strap has an enlarged rectangular end I2 whose lower corner portions I2 are return bent to provide a blunt bearing edge. Strap I0 is of width suflicient to provide two longitudinal rows of spaced angularly bent locking tabs I5, the tabs in each row extending in the same direction and opposite the direction of those in the outer row. Thetabs in the two rows are also preferably arranged in staggered or transversely disaligned relation. This construction has the advantage of giving a greater number of tabs per unit length of the strap without in any way weakening the same.

Another very effective sealing arrangement is illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, being formed from the parts illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9. The latching element 80 (Fig. 8) comprises an elongated metal plate transversely centrally return bent at 8I to provide an inner fiat part 82, and an outer part 83. Part 83 has a longitudinal central outward ofi-set portion 84 from whose free end projects an outwardly angularly bent flange 85. A plurality of longitudinally spaced, centrally positioned, aligned tabs 86 are cut from part 82 and angularly inwardly bent with their free ends extending in the direction of bend 8|. The plate is fully return bent, with the margins of part 83 in face contact with part 82, and staples 8! securing both parts to a vertical box wall, as 21. It will be seen that member 80 thus has a central passage, closed at its lower end, provided by offset 84, into which passage tabs 86 project. Strap 88 (Fig. 9) having enlarged end 89 is particularly adapted for use with member 88. A plurality of longitudinally spaced openings 80 are formed in strap 88, and a plurality of angularly bent outout tabs 9| are provided in alternate aligned relation to openings 90 with their free ends extending in the direction of head 89. Strap 88 is stapled to top 30 by staples 92 adjacent head 89 to prevent longitudinal and transverse displacement.

In use, the strap 88 is longitudinally inserted in the passage provided by ofi-set 84 of the latching member 88, being guided thereby, tabs 9I snap over tabs 86 to interlock therewith, and tabs 86 also entering strap openings 80. In this construction the operative interlocking elements are fully concealed and inaccessible, making a very effective and positive tamper-proof seal. Also, should a temporary seal be desired, the same can be effected by hooking one of the tongues 9| of the strap 88 on flange 85 of the locking member, the same being obviously readily releasable When desired.

Each embodiment of these seals has in common with the others the feature of inaccessibility of at least some of the interlocks between locking tongue and locking member, when said interlock is effected exteriorly of the box per se. They provide simple, inexpensive, positive seals, applicable between the top and any vertical wall of the box and easily applied to the box and easily and quickly sealed without necessity for stapling or other machine operated sealing after the box is filled and closed. Any tampering with these seals is immediately exposed, and hence pilferage is discouraged and prevented. It will be understood that the sealing means may be applied at the interior as well as the exterior of the box. It is to be understood that my seal arrangement may be equally effective in use on the interior of the box as well as on the exterior.

Referring to Figs. 14 to 18 inclusive, one form of box and seal arrangement where the sealing means are entirely concealed within the box, the numeral I designates the front wall, I III the end Walls, I02 the bottom, I83 the back, and I04 cover of a box. At one or more of its free edges, the cover is provided with tabs I05 which are preferably of a length shorter than the edge of the box from which they project and which are inset at each end from the ends of the box cover. Locking straps comprising a base I86 stapled at I0! to the under side of the box top, and tongues I 08 provided with a plurality of tabs I89, are carried by the cover. The tongues I08 are preferably positioned exteriorly of the box tongues I85 with the portion I86 thereof extending through suitable slots adjacent the fold lines of said box tongues I85. It will be understood, however, that the same construction may be utilized in a box wherein the tongues I85 on the cover are entirely eliminated as illustrated in Fig. 16.

Suitable locking bars, such as those illustrated in Fig. 17 and numbered I I8, or those illustrated in Fig. 18 and numbered III, are secured at the inner faces of the vertical walls of the box adjacent the upper end thereof to receive th locking tongues I88. The locking bar I I8 illustrated in Fig, 17 comprises a flat strip of metal having a flange II2 bent at a slight angle thereto. The body of this strap is provided at its ends with apertures II3 through which staples H4 are adapted to pass to secure the same to the box wall. The locking bar III illustrated in Fig. 13 comprises a flat strip of metal having a flange H5 bent angularly therefrom in one direction, and a flange I I6 bent oppositely therefrom in an other direction. The opposite ends of the strap are provided with openings II! to receive staples I I4. Intermediate its ends in the central portion thereof, the locking bar III is provided with an elongated slot II8. Where the locking tongues are applied at each edge of the box top, it is desirable to use locking bars III) at the ends IIII of the box, and locking bar II I at the front of the box. From the above it will be understood that when the box i closed, the tongues I85 of the cover'thereof are inserted within the vertical walls ltd and lei of the box with the locking tongues 5% bearing against the inner faces of said vertical box walls, whereby they may pass between said walls and the locking bars I H), II I, and to cause the tabs I85 of tongues 1538 to seat against the lower edges of said locking bars H0, 1! i. The flanges H2 and E 55 are preferably p0- sitioned at a slight angle to the box to project outwardly from the box wall at the upper edge of the bar and thereby serve to guide the free end of the tongues H8 therebehind.

In the construction illustrated in Fig. 18, a double lock is permitted with one tab Hid seating against the upper edge of the slot H8, and a lower tab 1 seating against the flange I Hi. The principal advantages of this construction are that the box may have a full size opening, and the locking tabs Ilifi may be utilized for the secondary purpose or preventing bulging of the box walls Hill and it! in an outwardly direction. An additional advantage is that the entire sealing device is concealed within the box, and hence cannot be tampered nor the contents of the box pilfered. Additionally, the straps Hi3, HI serve to reinforce the box walls lfil) and Ill! to prevent bending thereof.

I claim:

1. A box having interconnected vertical panels and bottom and a releasable top, a locking tongue secured to said top and having a plurality of longitudinally spaced tabs projecting angularly therefrom in alternate opposite relation, and a.

plurality of spaced parallel staples secured to a box panel in 'a vertical row, alternate staples having a portion spaced from said panel to slidably receive and confine said tongue, said tongue being adapted to overlie th other staples, said tabs being spaced in substantial conformity tothe spacing of said staples to interlock therewith, some of said interlocks being affected with said last named staples behind said tongue.

2. A box having interconnected vertical panels and bottom, and 'a releasable top, a locking tongue secured to said top and having a plurality of integral locking tabs struck angularly therefrom, and a row of staples secured to one panel for interlocking engagement with said tabs, said staples slidably receiving and confining said tongue parallel to said panel, said tabs being inwardly notched at their inner ends to weaken the same for ready breakage thereof when tampered with.

JOHN E. BORAH. 

